Before I present this coin, out of curiosity, how do YOU, initially look at coins? Naked eye? Loupe? Magnifier? If so, at what magnification? 2x, 5x, 10x, higher? Is there a particular tool you especially like and recommend? I’m currently using a magnifier app on my iPad and I’m not crazy about it. Because of my vision, I’ve been given 2 VERY EXPENSIVE magnifying machines that each cost thousands of dollars but neither makes me happy in this venture. Thanks. Now give me your views on this ‘84. There is surface damage but there seems to be doubling on the obverse and reverse. Machine doubling? Also if a coin has an error but also has damage, is its potential value automatically eliminated? Or can a little damage among friends be overlooked?
My first look is with reading glasses, if it looks like anything interesting I use a Bausch & Lomb hand held magnifier. I also use a B&L loupe that has a 5x, 10x and 20x magnification. Very rarely use the 20X. RE your 1984 cent IMO it shows mechanical doubling, the obverse was stuck with a slightly misaligned die. I wouldn't buy a coin with that much damage unless it was a rarity and the price was right. I can live with a cleaned coin (Type coins) and also with one that has slight damage but nothing too obvious. I've never owned a scope, and for myself, see no reason in buying one. That doesn't mean I wouldn't like to have one. In response to your last question if it's a major error IMO the potential value would be decreased but not automatically eliminated.
Its a zincoln Heavily damaged Zinc rot Smashed rims The zinc inside is corroding faster than the copper above it. Just like your car when the steel rusts and bubbles up the paint. And all the other cannabilistic features of a damaged zincolns.
